Keeping Your Sump Pump Healthy
Your sump pump is a piece of equipment that can save you money, time, and frustration caused by unwanted water damage. The sump pump works by removing groundwater and pressure from your foundation when it rains. Following are a few simple tips that will help ensure that your sump pump actually works when you need it to.
- An unsecure sump pump can shift position and cause the switch to get stuck. It’s important to check for proper switch operation to keep the sump pump healthy.
- Be certain the sump pump is plugged into a single outlet dedicated circuit (non-GFCI).
- Make sure the check valve is functioning; you don’t want water flowing back into the pit when the pump turns off.
- As rubber ages, it dries out and shrinks. You should check that all of the hose clamps are tight and the rubber parts are not dry and cracked from age.
- Water that remains in the discharge pipe outdoors can freeze. You want to ensure the sump pump discharge pipe is free from obstructions and pitched properly for good gravity drainage.
- Check for leaks and cracks in the pipe, or else water that is not being discharged can re-enter the pit and overwork the sump pump.
- A battery powered back-up sump pump is only as good as the battery powering it. The best options when your sump pump needs a new battery are deep cycle marine or original equipment batteries. Be sure to test the battery so you know it’s being charged and can accept a charge.
- Check the bottom of the sump pump pit for buildup of dirt and debris that can cause clogging; clean the dirt out of the pit if necessary.
- Make certain that pump discharge is at least 10 feet from the foundation. Water discharged less than 10 feet away can work its way back into the basement.
- Keep a secure cover in place over the sump pump pit to prevent items from falling or rolling in, as these unnoticed items can cause sump pump failure.
If you find yourself in a situation where your sump pump has failed, contact Taormina Home Service to discuss mitigation and repair.
Mother Nature can sometimes pack a real wallop!
You can learn how to prepare for severe conditions by going to: